Katnip

Chapter Four

"Of freedom and of pleasure,

Nothing ever lasts forever,

Everybody wants to rule the world."

-Lorde, Everybody Wants To Rule The World

I'm expecting a production meeting in which Plutarch instructs me where to stand and gives me my cue for shooting Snow. Instead, I find myself sent into a room where five people sit around a table. Johanna, Beetee, Haymitch, Annie and Enobaria. They all wear the grey rebel uniforms from thirteen. They all look incredibly sad and weary. Peeta. My heart lurches. I feel Gale squeeze my hand once more, then he's gone. "What's this?" I say.

"We're not sure," Haymitch answers, "It seems to be a gathering of the remaining victors."

"We're all that's left?" I ask.

"The price of celebrity," says Beetee. "We were targeted from both sides. The Capitol killed the victors they suspected of being rebels. The rebels kill those thought to be allied with the Capitol."

Johanna scowls at Enobaria. "So what's she doing here?"

"She is protected by what we call the Mockingjay Deal," says Coin as she enters behind me. "Wherein Katniss Everdeen agreed to support the rebels in exchange for captured victors' immunity. Katniss has upheld her end of the bargain, and so shall we."

Enobaria smiles at Johanna. "Don't look so smug." Says Johanna. "We'll kill you anyway."

"Please sit, Katniss." Coin says with authority. I oblige warily.

"This meeting is to settle a debate. Today, we will execute Snow. In the following weeks, hundreds of acomplices will suffer similar fate. But to some, that's not enough. So, I present you withan alternative. Should we have one final Hunger Games, with the children of Capitol citizens?"

There is a pause. "Yes," Enobaria says, "Give them a taste of their own medicine."

"No!" Beetee cries. "Why must we repeat their mistakes. We have been in thoe horrific arenas. Would you, could you, wish that for an innocent child?"

"Yes." Johanna retorts. "I have lost every soul I loved in this world to the Capitol. Yes."

Annie murmurs quietly. "I vote no. So would Finnick, if he was here..."

"But he isn't, Johanna suddenly yells, "Because the Capitol killed him!"

I think quietly. What would Peeta have said? No. So I do to, for him. As they stare at me, I explain.

"I'm angry to Johanna, God knows I am. But I'm angry at Snow and his supporters, not the thirteen-year-old girls of the Capitol. The Games should never be repeated. This is not the solution."

"Very well," Coin mutters, "Have it your way..."

I don't trust her.